We're told that the entry-level EOS R camera coming sometime in 2019 will not feature the touch bar, which is quite a polarizing feature on the current Canon EOS R camera.

We suspect that this has been part of the entry-level EOS R plan for a while, and not because the user and media feedback about the touch bar has been mixed.

We don't think Canon will give up on the feature after one iteration either and we expect to see it in some form on the higher end EOS R body also possibly coming in 2019.

The coming firmware update for the EOS R may correct some of the issues that some users have experienced with the EOS Rs touch bar.

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166 comments

  1. I look forward to this lower end R. Despite my original thought that Canon would not use the 6D2 sensor again, this one probably will have it. It'll be ok for me if the price is right.
  2. I rented R last week just to give it a try and even I found the position of touch bar a little odd. While certainly useful if it were tilted at an angle anticlockwise by a few degrees just enough to get out of way of thumb it wouldnt be accidentally activated.
  3. This may sound a little bit hypocritical as someone who won't buy the R series until they release a pro version, but I think Canon has the right idea with releasing a lower-end R as soon as possible. It sure seems like the biggest segment of the MILC market is the ~$1000 camera section. Build it up from the base and then release the A9-style R camera that will head straight into my camera bag.

    I recently evaluated the EOS R from Canon Pro Services and actually fell in love with it. It was a brilliant camera, but it just isn't fast enough yet for breaking news and sports, which is the bulk of how I make my money. But for hanging around with family or some slower general news assignments, there just wasn't any way to beat it. It was a perfectly wonderful experience in most slow photography, landscapes, etc, all while being a great, usable size.
  4. I think it would need to be less than $1500. U.S. to differentiate sufficiently from first R to attract low end buyers. What would they leave off? Would it simply be a lower res camera with no touch bar and slightly fewer options in the menu? :unsure:
  5. I still can't believe this is actually coming with nary a word of a high-end R.
    There doesn't seem to be a lot of correlation between the class of cameras being announced and the class of lenses of being announced. At this rate, it'll be 3 years or more before I buy anything R.
  6. canon listens... nice.
    i hope it will have a joystick.

    We don’t think Canon will give up on the feature after one iteration either and we expect to see it in some form on the higher end EOS R body also possibly coming in 2019
    i really hope that is not that case and canon made the decision based on feedback.
    i mean show me one reviewer that says he not rather have a joystick instead of the MOFO-Bar
    The coming firmware update for the EOS R may correct some of the issues that some users have experienced with the EOS Rs touch bar.
    well canon can´t correct that it will not work like a joystick.
    canon could give us both.. sure.
  7. I absolutely love the Touch Bar and will be very disappointed if it is removed in future pro bodies. I use it to manually adjust the kelvin WB and have come to rely on its usefulness.
  8. There doesn't seem to be a lot of correlation between the class of cameras being announced and the class of lenses of being announced...

    Canon pursues all segments and they will be figuring out how to segment the R line. Using the M line as a guide on how they will develop the R line, they will be releasing different models with different capabilities/ ergonomics combinations (ev dial, no EVF, etc) to see how the market reacts.

    Lots of existing Canon shooters who have EF glass. A lower end R camera with a kit lens would be sufficient to drive a lot of sales.
  9. I still can't believe this is actually coming with nary a word of a high-end R.
    Frankly, I'd settle for more information on which type of high-end R is coming - a speed demon a la 1DXii or a resolution monster a la 5DsR.
  10. That touch bar nonsense reminds of the same thing on Macbooks. Crap that people don't need, don't want and would really wish they didn't have to pay for. And yet Apple and Canon push unwanted creepy tech on us. We want better sensors - Canon gives us touch bar. OMG. I just can't.
  11. What can they possible do to make an even lower end EOS R?

    They released the pretty much best lenses of their entire lineup and only a mirrorless 6d to use them... and now they release an even worse mirrorless camera?
    It is REALY time for a professional EOS R, not another toy... what else are these high end lenses made for? Instagram posts with a 3000$ lense attached to a toy camera?
  12. Frankly, I'd settle for more information on which type of high-end R is coming - a speed demon a la 1DXii or a resolution monster a la 5DsR.
    I realy hope for a EOS R C with decent video specs. The form factor would be awesome. I generaly think sports cameras are better with a mirror (at least at the moment) and the mirrorless form factor is better suited for video.
  13. That touch bar nonsense reminds of the same thing on Macbooks. Crap that people don't need, don't want and would really wish they didn't have to pay for. And yet Apple and Canon push unwanted creepy tech on us. We want better sensors - Canon gives us touch bar. OMG. I just can't.
    To add a point of contrast, I actually really appreciate that Canon tries weird stuff like that. They haven't been afraid to try adding features which may or may not become that incredible new feature people need. That's how we get new tech that makes a difference to the way we shoot. I agree, the touch bar didn't do it for me when I tried an R, and dual pixel raw is another one that didn't work out, but I am comfortable with them trying new stuff. I really like the control ring idea, I really like the adapter with a filter insert, I really like DPAF, and the list goes on. Sure, I am very interested in improved sensor tech like many others, but I really don't believe that's the be all and end all of photography.
  14. I do not understand some stubbornly repeated criticism: Buy a camera if you like it or do not buy it if you do not like it. Cameras are IMO made to take photos and not to spend a life in a glass box for display (including feature lists). And not everyone needs a camera with all bells and whistles - sometimes I appreciate my "inferior" 200D / M50 setup where I (= my cameras) aren't attractive for thieves etc.

    About a lower end EOS R: If it is something like a M50 on steroids with very good IQ, reasonable speed and a basic but well working set of functions + high reliability at 1200...1500 EUR maybe I will do the step. 24 MPix with very good low light capability would be fine for my EF lenses and some FD vintage glass. A must are flippy screen and electronic level. A control ring EF adapter would be fine to give me an additional control ring.

    Bodies go, lenses stay.
  15. Well, that's good :)

    The touch bar should go. Good on Canon for trying something new, but it is just awkward. Just put a programmable clicky dial in its place and I'll be happy.

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